Spirit Day, a national event to raise awareness about the problem of bullying directed against LGBT youth, was held on Friday, October 19th, sponsored by GLAAD (Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation). People were asked to wear purple on that day as a sign of solidarity with LGBT youth who’ve experienced bullying or violence.

National Catholic Reporter columnist Jamie Manson notes that one long time Catholic justice advocate who took part in the event explained her reason for doing so:

Sister Alice Zachmann, SSND

“Sr. Alice Zachmann signed onto Catholics for Spirit Day. She is a well-respected voice throughout the American Roman Catholic Church, and also in Rome. Zachmann is also a recipient of the Catholic University of America’s highest honor — the James Cardinal Gibbons Award. In responding to why she’s signing the statement, she wrote: ‘The issue is one of justice concerning young people who are being bullied because of their sexual orientation.’ “

[Editor’s Note: Sister Alice is also a regular reader of Bondings 2.0.]

You can view (and post) photos of Spirit Day activities by clicking here.